Old Testament
Joshua 17:10
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, the land allocation for the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh is described.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
To the south, it was Ephraim's, and to the north, it was Manasseh's, with the sea as his border. They met together in Asher on the north and in Issachar on the east.
Southward it was Ephraim’s, and northward it was Manasseh’s, and the sea is his border; and they met together in Asher on the north, and in Issachar on the east.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the land allocation for the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh is described. Ephraim's territory is located to the south, while Manasseh's is to the north, with the sea serving as a natural boundary. The two tribes share borders in the regions of Asher to the north and Issachar to the east. This division of land highlights the geographical and tribal relationships among the Israelites as they settle in Canaan. The mention of the sea as a border indicates a clear demarcation of territory, which was important for the tribes to understand their inheritance and responsibilities. The verse emphasizes the unity and coexistence of the tribes, as they are neighbors and share common borders, which would have implications for their interactions and alliances. Understanding these boundaries is crucial for the tribes' identity and their role in the larger narrative of Israel's history.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Joshua 17:10 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of understanding our boundaries and relationships with others. Just as the tribes had defined territories, we should recognize our roles and responsibilities in our communities. Building healthy relationships requires awareness of where we begin and end in our interactions with others.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 17:10 mean?
Joshua 17:10 describes the geographical boundaries of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh in Canaan. Ephraim's territory is to the south, while Manasseh's is to the north, with the sea marking their western border.
What is the significance of the sea in Joshua 17:10?
The sea in Joshua 17:10 serves as a natural boundary that clearly defines the territory of the tribes. This demarcation was important for the tribes to understand their land inheritance and responsibilities.
What does the meeting of Ephraim and Manasseh in Asher and Issachar indicate?
The meeting of Ephraim and Manasseh in Asher and Issachar indicates their geographical proximity and the relationships between the tribes. It highlights the unity and coexistence of the tribes as they settled in Canaan.
How does Joshua 17:10 relate to tribal identity?
Joshua 17:10 relates to tribal identity by outlining the specific territories assigned to Ephraim and Manasseh. Understanding these boundaries helped the tribes define their roles and responsibilities within the larger community of Israel.
The Book of Joshua
1: God Commissions Joshua
After the death of Moses, the Lord commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. God commands him to be strong and courageous, assuring him of success and divine presence, just as He was with Moses. He instructs Joshua to meditate on the Book of the Law day and night and to observe all that is written in it, for then he will be prosperous and successful. Joshua, in turn, commands the officers of the people to prepare for the crossing of the Jordan River within three days. He also reminds the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh of their promise to Moses to help their brethren conquer the land west of the Jordan before returning to their own inheritance on the east side. The people pledge their loyalty to Joshua, promising to obey him as they did Moses and encouraging him to be strong and courageous.
Unlock the full Joshua summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Joshua — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 24 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Joshua summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.